The Ukrainian national broadcaster, Suspilne, has revealed all details about the Eurovision national selection “Vidbir 2025,” which is likely to be held on February 8.
The Ukrainian national broadcaster, Suspilne, has released details about Vidbir 2025, their national selection for Eurovision 2025 to be held in Switzerland. The broadcaster is seeking producers for the competition, which is likely to be broadcast live on February 8, 2025. The selection, taking place amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, sets special requirements both creatively and technically, and will include intensive rehearsals and a full live broadcast. The project will feature up to ten participants, with creative content to be broadcast on television and YouTube.
What to Expect from Vidbir 2025
The event is expected to take place at a location chosen with security considerations in mind, due to the war in Ukraine. The production includes building a unique stage to create an impressive and interactive performance experience for both the audience in the hall and at home. Each participant will receive personal direction, including work on their performances, costume creation, lighting design, and overall design of each show to highlight the uniqueness of each artist. Additionally, a “Green Room” area is planned where participants can be interviewed and share experiences in real-time.
Advanced Technology and Interactive Elements
The production will include a combination of live performances, host segments, and reactions from judges and the audience, with an emphasis on viewer interaction through live voting. Additionally, behind-the-scenes live broadcasts will be conducted during the show. The program also includes proposals for incorporating advanced technology such as 360° broadcasts from the stage, aimed at enhancing the viewing experience on YouTube and the official Eurovision website.
Rehearsals and Live Broadcast Dates
The broadcast is scheduled for February 8, 2025, with rehearsals beginning on February 4, 2025, and continuing until the broadcast date. On February 7, a live-format general rehearsal will be held, which will also be recorded as a backup in case of technical issues during the live broadcast. The production will also include full rehearsals with the audience and a live broadcast of the voting results on television and YouTube.
Juries and Hosts
The musical producer of Vidbir 2025 is Tina Karol, Ukraine’s representative to Eurovision 2006. Karol will be responsible for producing the music and artistic content of the selection, promising to combine high professionalism with creativity and an innovative spirit in the show.
According to the proposal, the juries for the national final will be chosen based on the results of a public vote organized by the broadcaster. They will be recognized professionals in the music field, and the final decision on the composition of the judging panel will be made by the broadcaster, in accordance with the results of the public vote. The judges will be required to vote twice – once during the final itself and once during the general rehearsal, to ensure a backup for the voting process. It seems this decision was made as a lesson learned after last year’s voting issues and the withdrawal of a contestant as a result. The voting process for juries is improving compared to last year. In 2024, juries were selected by public vote following public satisfaction with the juries’ voting results at Eurovision 2022. In 2025, a double voting process was added to ensure full backup for any possible situation during the live broadcast.
There will be at least two hosts for Vidbir 2025, one of whom is Timur Miroshnychenko, Eurovision 2017 host and a regular host of Vidbir since 2022. The second host will be chosen by the broadcaster.
Budget and Production
For Vidbir 2025, the Ukrainian broadcaster has allocated 10.5 million hryvnias (approximately 235,000 EUR). Competition participants will be required to submit a detailed description of their concept, a proposal for direction and production, as well as a detailed budget proposal and additional documents, by November 26, 2024.
Competition Process
The competition will take place in two stages: an initial stage for selecting candidates and then a song presentation stage where candidates will present their projects in detail. Projects will be evaluated according to criteria of dramatic quality, social relevance and importance, creative and production vision, and compliance with the broadcasting channel’s requirements and conditions.
This year, the process includes a significant upgrade with emphasis on song presentation as a separate and more detailed stage, allowing for a more professional and in-depth presentation of projects.
Ukraine in Eurovision 2024
Jerry Heil and Alyona Alyona represented Ukraine at Eurovision 2024 with the song “Teresa & Maria.” The duo won the Ukrainian national selection “Vidbir 2024” and finished third in the Eurovision final with 453 points.
Their entry is notable for being the first since 2002 to place in the top 5 while performing second in the running order, a position traditionally considered challenging in Eurovision statistics.
Source: corp.suspilne.media
Eurovision 2025: This will be Ukraine’s 20th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Ukraine joined the competition in 2003 and has won it three times. Ukraine’s last victory was in Eurovision 2022 with the song “Stefania” performed by Kalush Orchestra.
